Program Description
VA burial allowances are partial reimbursements of
eligible veterans’ burial and funeral costs. When the cause of death is not
service-related, VA may be able to pay two modest
allowances:
- One for
burial and funeral expense, AND
- One for
the cemetery
plot
When
the cause of death is service-related, the reimbursement comes in the form
of a single, larger payment for burial and funeral
expenses.
In some service-connected
death cases, VA can pay a reimbursement for transportation
costs.
General Program Requirements
The veteran must have been discharged under
conditions other than dishonorable.
VA
can pay a reimbursement only if the expenses for the funeral / burial have
not been reimbursed by another government agency or some other
source.
Generally, at least
one of following additional eligibility
criteria must also be met.
Reimbursement is possible if
the veteran—
- Died
because of a service-related disability, OR
- Was receiving VA pension or compensation at the time of
death, OR
- Was entitled to receive VA
compensation, but decided not to reduce his/her military retired pay,
OR
- Died in a VA hospital or while in a
nursing home under VA contract, or while in an approved state nursing home,
OR
- Had a claim pending at the time of
death and has been found entitled to compensation or pension from a date
prior to the date of death, OR
- Died
while traveling, under proper authorization and at VA expense, to or from a
specified place for the purpose of examination, treatment, or
care
National Guard and Reserve members who were activated for
federal military service and later separated are considered to be
veterans.
Commissioned Officers of the
Public Health Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
are considered to be active duty members and veterans, once
discharged.
Application Process
For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.
Program Contact Information
Additional information on this program may be obtained from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, at: http://www.vba.va.gov/VBA/benefits/factsheets/burials/Burialeg_0508.doc
To apply for the burial allowance, you must complete an Application
for Burial Benefits (VA Form 21-530). You may download the form
at:
http://www.va.gov/vaforms/
If you have questions about this benefit or you need an
application, you can call VA at this toll-free number:
800-827-1000
People who are hearing impaired may call this toll-free TTY number:
1-800-829-4833
Managing Agency
Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
http://www.vba.va.gov
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